Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Western red cedar on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Western red cedar
Thuja plicata, commonly known as Western Red Cedar or Giant Arborvitae, is a majestic evergreen conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, native to North America. It is distinguished by its dense, bright green, scaly foliage, which emits a pleasant pineapple-like aroma when rubbed. It is ideal for creating tall hedges, privacy screens, or as a stately specimen tree in large gardens.
Native range
Pacific Northwest of North America, from southeast Alaska to northern California.
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils. Watering should be regular, especially during the first year after planting and in dry periods, avoiding waterlogging. A common mistake is insufficient watering during hot summers, which can lead to yellowing and shedding of foliage. Protect young varieties from strong winds and late frosts.
How to save a dying Western red cedar
- Warning signs
- Inner branches dry and brown, burnt tips, excessive foliage drop.
- First aid
- Deep watering if soil is dry, protect from extreme sun and wind, prune dead branches.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought or constant waterlogging, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if damage is not total and roots are not completely rotted.